Suddenly Sandy

Alright, we saw Cars 2 in the theater on Scotty's birthday. He did better than I thought he would, but not great. He hates to sit still, so you need to suck him in fast or he loses interest. I remember him liking the first one more though...Friday night we watched Megamind and same problem, lost interest and wanted to go run and play. So...any suggestions on good movies for active 4 yr old little boys? I'd really like to do family movie night if I can find something he'd enjoy!

Okay, these turned out so cute! I found them here:

http://www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com/frog-cupcakes.html

So here's what I did. I made the cupcakes according to the directions.

Then I took some store bought white frosting (in the future I'll make it from scratch, I hate store bought vanilla, it tastes funny to me!) and added food coloring in my mixer. Now I used the regular cheap food coloring because I forgot to snag my sisters gel coloring, but I'd recommend the gel if you want them super green.

Then you just frost your cupcakes as smoothly as possible.

Next, cut large marshmallows into thirds, then cut those thirds in half. These will make your eyes.

Stick those eyes on your frogs like so:

Next you'll need some pink icing and some black gel:

Now, before adding the eyes and mouth, I suggest practicing. I hadn't used this stuff in years and it's a little tricky! Okay, maybe not tricky, but if you want it to look nice, I'd practice. I grabbed a paper towel and practiced. A lot. I'm still not pleased with the outcome, but towards the end I was getting better! I did the eyes first, then finished with the mouth so I wouldn't bump it while trying to dot the  eyes!

The finished product!

And despite me thinking the frosting was gross, everyone else said they were absolutely delicious! And if I can make these? Anyone can. I am not the least bit artistic!

Scotty's 4th birthday is coming up at the end of June. I've been in planning mode for a while now, only because I have no idea what to do about our guest list. The past 3 years we've invited all the family. My husband is adopted, so he has a BUNCH. I have 8 people myself (sisters, mom and Grandma). He has his adoptive family (brothers and dad, 6 total including significant others and a nephew), then his biological family is another 8. That's before adding in extended family (other little kid cousins).

My question is this...at what point do you stop doing such a family focused birthday party and start doing more of a "your kid and their friends" party? I hate to exclude anyone, but I also hate to keep inviting everyone if it's an imposition. I'm not sure what to do. We could always do a family party AND a friend party. I'm open to that. We're already doing one extra birthday celebration with my dad, what's one more?

I'd like to know what YOU do for your kids birthday? When is it acceptable to stop inviting ALL the family to birthday parties? And are we a special case because of the whole adoption thing from my hubby's side? I feel like that side of the family loves it because they didn't experience it when my hubby was little...

Yesterday we got a new dresser for Scotty's room from my dad. We got home and I cleaned it really well, put it back together in his room and put his clothes away. Then? Scotty asked if he could put his toys in the empty drawers. Sure, why not? This is what we ended up with:

I'd say my OCD tendencies are rubbing off on the kid. I don't know whether I should be proud or feel sorry for him!

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We're ready for spring!

Fun, right? On Saturday we had cousin T's 3rd birthday party. It was at a trout farm! We were told that each child would get to catch one fish for free. So fun! Scotty's never been fishing, so I was excited to see what he thought about it. The hubby's family is very outdoorsy...my grandpa was a big fisherman too, my dad not at all.

Unfortunately I was feeling a little worn out and stayed home and finished packing for the cabin and resting when I could while the boys went to the party. Scotty came home and told me ALL about it. He had so much fun. He caught the biggest fish and won a prize! They sent the fish home with Uncle B so he could smoke it when he smokes the trout they caught. Scotty had a blast wandering and watching all the fish, playing in the water. The rain even held off for a little bit! I'm so glad he had fun...and we have pictures of his first fishing trip. Grandpa P helped him bait the hook and they caught absolutely nothing...as soon as dad helped Scotty? They caught their fish!

I just realized I never updated on the preschool situation. We didn't get into the co-op I toured. Bummer. There were only 4 open spots and priority went to alumni. In the end? A big relief. I'm not a social person, but I was going to suck it up for Scotty. However...I don't think he needs it. He needs to experience the classroom setting, definitely. I can work around that with classes at the community center, story time at the library, etc. The actual preschool curriculum? We'll be attempting it at home.

Did you see my post from yesterday? Yep, my 3.5 yr old can write his name. When he wants to. And he refuses to believe his "C" is backwards. Even when I show him in a book. He tells me the book is wrong. <shrug> I'm picking my battles with this kid. He's stubborn like his mother.

Hopefully this whole doing preschool at home works...we've been doing learning things at home since he was little, so I think we'll be okay. The best part? I don't have to go by a school schedule next year! We'll be at the cabin...as often as possible. It'll be the last year we can do it! And the learning opportunities are endless up there...the beaches alone keep him busy and asking questions for hours!

I went and toured a preschool on Wednesday. I was a little apprehensive. I would love to put Scotty in a preschool where parent involvement wasn't required. Those preschools? They cost double what a co-op does. SO I caved and went to tour a co-op.

First thoughts? Chaos! Lots of little kids running around, they had me come in for the tour right after drop off. After a few minutes the kids were where they were supposed to be and it was quieter. It's located only a few minutes from my Grandma and sisters, right where we run all of our errands. Perfect location. I really liked the other moms that I met, loved the teachers.

I filled out a registration form and am hoping we get in! There are only 4 open spots, but I should hear by next week. Crossing my fingers! At the same time? Getting a little bit emotional because my baby will be 4 and starting preschool next year! Where the heck did the time go?

In May 2007 I received a cute little security blanket at my baby shower. June 2007 Scotty was born...I let him have "Moo Cow" sometime around 2 or 3 months (I'm guessing here). Scotty and Moo Cow became inseparable. He slept with him (often with Moo cow over his face which scared the crap out of me, but he'd put him right back as soon as I moved him!)

Scotty is almost 4...and still drags Moo with us everywhere. Well, almost everywhere. Sometimes he'll forget to grab him. Then he wants me to turn around so we can go get him. I don't. Still, I'm getting tired of dragging Moo with us everywhere. I'm quite happy to say that we have NEVER left him anywhere. Even if we had? We have 2 more. Yep, my mom (who gave us the first Moo at my shower) ran out and bought 2 more as soon as Scotty showed signs of attachment to Moo. I had a bunny when I was little that I was quite attached to.

My point in bringing this up...when should he give up Moo? I don't want him to be starting Kindergarten (or preschool!) and need to bring Moo with him. Is it horrible if I start making him leave Moo in bed? I understand when he's sick he might need him. When healthy and feeling fine, I think he should leave Moo in bed during the day. I'm a bit opinionated, bossy and at times controlling with certain things. So...am I being ridiculous? Or is it perfectly reasonable to ask him to leave Moo in bed during the day?

It's been 2 weeks since Scotty started getting sick. He's just about over it, all that's left is a cough. The hubby and I are also almost well. We are so relieved that Scotty is feeling so much better! He's back to his normal self and saying all kinds of stuff that makes me laugh. Example? A conversation between us yesterday:

Scotty: Mom, I need huggles. (climbs on my lap and looks down)

Me: Scotty, are you looking at my boobs?

Scotty: Nope, I'm looking at your red shirt in there (my bra)

Me: That's my bra.

Scotty: Well, it's pretty neat. (He then tried to pull my shirt so he could see it better!)

Me: Do we touch boobs?

Scotty: But mom, they're like balls! They're so cool!

Ha ha ha. At this point I had to walk away I was trying so hard not to laugh. This kid keeps me on my toes. I love him.